ADHD Update Again! – April 2026
Dear Patient,
As promised we are providing another update for you about some recent changes to how adults are assessed and treated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Cheshire and Merseyside.
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Referral for ADHD Assessment
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, your GP or clinician will first need to confirm that a referral for specialist assessment is appropriate. This is because the system works on a “Right to Choose” basis, meaning you can choose your provider once a referral is clinically needed, rather than requesting a referral automatically.
Before referring, your clinician will usually check:
- That your symptoms are significantly affecting at least two areas of your life (for example: relationships, education, employment, safety, or self-care)
- That non-medication approaches (such as lifestyle changes or support strategies) have already been tried for an appropriate period (usually at least 12 weeks)
- That a diagnosis is necessary to support your care
What this means in practice
Your clinician will look at how ADHD symptoms affect your day-to-day functioning. Common areas considered include:
- Relationships
- Education
- Employment
- Risk and safety
- Self-care
Before referral, you may be supported to try practical strategies such as:
- Workplace or educational adjustments
- Coaching or behavioural strategies
- Structured routines and sleep support
- Psychological support
- Lifestyle and organisational strategies
Your clinician will also try to record:
- What has been tried so far
- How long it was tried for
- What difference it made
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Choosing an ADHD Provider
If a referral is agreed, you may be able to choose where you are assessed. However, not all providers are the same.
✅ Providers that meet local NHS (ICB) standards
These providers are approved by Cheshire & Merseyside ICB and meet local quality, safety, and care requirements:
- Clinical Partners
Website: https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk - QUAY Healthcare – Please fill in a ADHD assessment form via our digital front door
These services are monitored locally to ensure:
- Safe and high-quality care
- Appropriate follow-up and communication
- Compliance with NHS standards
⚠️ Other “Right to Choose” providers
There are also other providers you may see advertised. These are not currently contracted or quality-assured by the local ICB, meaning we cannot guarantee their governance, safety arrangements, or follow-up care.
Examples include:
- ADHD360
- Aspen Clinic (currently in final stages of accreditation)
- Atrom
- Care ADHD (Centre for ADHD Research)
- Harrow Health
- Haydock Medical Centre
- Held Health
- Holistic ADHD Solutions
- Jajawi and Partners
- Latahzan Ltd
- Oakdale Centre
- Optimise
- Owl Therapy
- ProblemShared (Teledoctor)
- Psicon
- Psychiatry UK (Psych-UK)
- RTN Medical
If you are considering one of these providers, your clinician will discuss the potential risks and differences with you so you can make an informed choice.
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What Happens Before Treatment
If you are diagnosed with ADHD:
- A face-to-face assessment may be required
- A physical health check must be completed before starting medication by the provider
- The provider must ensure safe prescribing and follow-up arrangements
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Medication and Shared Care
If medication is started:
- The specialist will usually begin and stabilise treatment
- Your GP may be asked to take over prescribing (shared care)
However:
- GP practices are not required to accept shared care
- If shared care is not agreed, the specialist provider remains responsible for prescribing and monitoring your treatment
PRIORY MEDICAL CENTRE DO NOT ENTER INTO ANY SHARED CARE AGREEMENTS AS THEY ARE UNFUNDED WORK AND WE SIMPLY DO NOT HAVE TIME TO TAKE ON EXTRA WORK AT THE MOMENT GIVEN THE CURRENT NHS CLIMATE
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Waiting Times
Due to high demand, waiting times for ADHD assessments may increase. Providers are working within planned activity levels, and appointments may be scheduled later if demand is high.
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New Local ADHD Support (Coming Soon)
Over the next year, a new local service (called a Local Enhanced Service) is being introduced. This aims to:
- Provide more support within primary care
- Improve access to ADHD services
- Offer more consistent and coordinated care
This means that in the future, some patients may receive support without needing referral to specialist services, depending on their needs.
What This Means for You
- You can still be referred for ADHD assessment if appropriate
- Your clinician will work with you to decide the best pathway
- You may have a choice of provider, with guidance on safe options
- Treatment and prescribing arrangements will be agreed on an individual basis
If you have concerns about ADHD symptoms or your current care, please speak to your GP
Kind regards,
